Jasprit Bumrah gets a captaincy push in Australia against Rohit Sharma

Former Australia captain Allan Border has praised Jasprit Bumrah's leadership abilities amidst doubts over Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. Allan Border said that Jasprit Bumrah's field placements and overall captaincy approach were exceptional during the first Test against Australia.

Bumrah captained India in the absence of Rohit Sharma during the first Test of the ongoing series in Australia. The visiting team secured an emphatic 295-run victory to take a 1-0 lead. Rohit returned to captain in the second Test but suffered a heavy 10-wicket loss in the day and night match in Adelaide.

Jasprit Bumrah Will Do a Very Good Job - Allan Border

Jasprit Bumrah is being considered a strong candidate to replace Rohit Sharma as the permanent Test captain. Allan Border said that Bumrah could do a great job as captain, despite having led in just five matches.

“He’ll (Bumrah) do a very good job. In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields, you couldn’t fault him," Border was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Jasprit Bumrah first captained India in a Test during the rescheduled fifth Test of the 2022 England tour, which ended in a loss. He later led India in a three-match T20I series in Ireland in 2023, where his team won 2-0, with the third game abandoned due to rain.

He’s Always Got That Smile on His Face - Allan Border

Allan Border highlighted the challenges of having a fast bowler as captain. He stated that a bowler usually takes a break after delivering an over, but as captain, they need to stay in the game. Border added that Jasprit Bumrah handled this demanding role well.

“It’s a tough one because after your over, you need to go down to fine leg for a break and a drink! As captain, you can’t do that. You need to be at mid-on, directing the field. But Bumrah did well, he’s aggressive as a bowler but not as aggressive as a person. He’s always got that smile on his face. (Pat) Cummins too," Border said.

Bumrah has been exceptional in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 21 wickets in three Tests at an average of 10.90, including two five-wicket hauls. Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is the second-leading wicket-taker in the series with 14 scalps from three matches.

Bumrah's Release Points Set Him Apart from Other Bowlers - Allan Border

Allan Border praised Bumrah's wrist action and release point, which make him incredibly challenging for batsmen. He stated that Bumrah’s hyperextension allows him to release the ball further than other bowlers.

“Bumrah, these days, is on that pedestal. His wrists, his release points are different to other bowlers. Because of that hyperextension, he’s releasing the ball a foot further down than other bowlers. He’s got a unique shuffling run-up, and then the snap of these wrists, he’s amazing. Being different, plus having that skill, it’s a whole different level of difficulty for the batsman," he said.

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